Stator body centering feature for torque converter

Abstract

A stator for a torque converter comprising: (i) an axis of rotation; (ii) a body portion including: a first body circumference; a back wall; at least one centering protrusion extending to a first measured axial distance relative to the back wall; and a second body circumference; (iii) a blade portion including: an outer circumference; and a plurality of blades, arranged for directing fluid flow, extending in a radial direction from the second body circumference to the outer circumference; and (iv) a housing portion, disposed radially inward relative to the body portion, including: a radial wall, disposed at a second measured axial distance relative to the back wall, having a thrust surface; and, wherein the housing portion is arranged for housing a one-way clutch; and, wherein the first axial distance is greater than the second axial distance.

Description

FIELD[0001]The invention relates generally to a stator in a torque converter, and more specifically to a stator having at least one centering feature, which mates complementarily with the turbine shell, to position the stator during assembly.BACKGROUND[0002]Co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 899,325, hereby incorporated by reference herein, describes a torque converter, and shows a core ring featuring tabs or lances to center the stator.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,374, hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method for centering a hub flange for a torque converter, wherein the stator inner race is centered on the pump hub inner diameter.[0004]U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0266589, hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a torque converter cross-section including a turbine including at least one blade and a shell, wherein the shell includes a portion disposed radially inward of the at least one blade.[0005]To install a torque co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In an example aspect, the turbine's curved portion limits axial and radial displacement of the stator's centering protrusion. In an example aspect, the at least one centering protrusion is for maintaining concentricity relative to the axis of rotation and for limiting displacement of the stator within the turbine shell. In an example aspect, the at least one centering protrusion is annular. In other example aspects, the at least one centering protrusion is a plurality of castles. In an example aspect, the castles are cylindrical, cuboid, or frustum shaped. In an example aspect, the at least one centering protrusion is arranged to fit complementarily within the inner periphery portion of the turbine shell.

Problems solved by technology

This process can be difficult and time consuming because of the large number of shafts and hubs that must be properly aligned.

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